21st to 26th January 2016
General and Commissioner Silvia Cox were with much excitement and joy were welcomed by the Territorial Leaders Commissioners M. C. & Susamma James, and Salvationists of IWT in Gujarati & Maharashtrian traditions.
On their visit to both of the Training colleges at Ahmednagar having 18 Cadets and in Gujarat, Anand 20 Cadets. General and Commissioner Silvia Cox unveiled the stone of proposed prayer hall in Ahmednagar and inaugurated new prayer hall building in Anand.
Evangeline Booth Hospital, Ahmednagar and Emery Hospital, Anand staff were encouraged by the visit of the General and WPWM. While inaugurating five newly built deluxe rooms in Emery Hospital, General said that by this you are balancing the gap between rich and poor.
Hundreds & Thousands of people participated in March of Witness in Ahmednagar and in Anand. In both places General and Commissioner Silvia Cox received the Salute. The March of witness had significance as the four people dressed as pioneer officers walked and also the social awareness messages of save the girl child and save water were displayed. Officers Councils were arranged in Ahmednagar and Anand.
On Friday, 22 nearly 4000 people gathered the open tent at Ahmednagar, Maharastra and on 24 Sunday Holiness Meeting over 6000 people gathered to worship and praise God under the tent in Anand, Gujarat. In response to the welcome General reminded the congregation that we have signed Covenant, we all made the same promises, we all signed the same covenant, we stand to be true Salvationist; we do not promote Christianity but we tell the world the way God has transformed us. We do not promote religion, we do not debit about Christianity, but we tell what Jesus has done for us through sharing the testimony. No one contradicts because it is our story.
Commissioner Silvia Cox reminded the congregation of how wonderful and caring shepherd we have in Jesus. We must trust him and let him lead us. General brought inspiring Spirit led message based on John 3: 1 – 8 focussed on God's work of transformation – born again experience. He further stated that we are Salvationists, we preach about Salvation; we preach about transformation, God is not calling us to build our kingdom, but calling us for transformation, that will only happen when we are changed. In response to the General's message hundreds & thousands came to knelt at the Mercy seat.
In Maharashtra 150 Timbrell presentation was presented commemorate 150 years of Salvation Army's services globally. In Gujarat meeting, the Secretary of Bible Society of Gujarat Axillary, Rev David Desai & Promotion Manager Dr. Samuel Chauhan honoured and welcomed the International leaders on behalf of all Churches and BSI.
At the Conclusion of the visit on Republic Day of India, meeting was arranged for children and youth. Nearly 500 youngsters attended this meeting. Inspired testimonies and various items presented by the youth were appreciated with great interest. General addressed the youth referring Luke 4:14 – 19 reminding them that God know the potential that every youth has at very early age of life and wants to use them. God has purpose and mission for every children and youth. In response to the message almost 60 youths knelt at Mercy Seat. We praise and thank God for the visit of General and Commissioner Silvia Cox.
